unknown, 6 strokes, radical 土, rank #12341, Very Hard
guī(gui1) T1
1jade tablet
2(old) jade tablet (a ceremonial badge of rank)
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March 24, 2026
圭guī(gui1)
The character 圭 (guī) refers to a ceremonial jade tablet that was historically used as a badge of rank in ancient China. This item symbolizes authority and status, often associated with scholars and officials. In modern usage, it may also denote something precious or valuable, akin to how jade is viewed in Chinese culture.
Strokes6Radical土Frequency#12341DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, jade is highly valued and believed to possess protective qualities. The 圭 symbolized not only rank but also moral integrity, reflecting the Confucian ideals of virtue and leadership.
Memory Tip
Imagine a shiny jade tablet that looks like a rectangular stone with pointed edges. The character 圭 resembles this tablet, with the top part (口) representing its flat surface and the bottom part (土) suggesting the earth from which jade is mined. Visualize a wise official holding this precious tablet to emphasize their authority.
Meanings of 圭
guī(gui1)
1jade tablet
2(old) jade tablet (a ceremonial badge of rank)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 圭
圭Simplified
6Strokes
土Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 圭
Podcast: 圭
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AI Study Notes for 圭
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the context in which you use 圭, as it is quite formal and may not be suitable for everyday conversation. It is often found in historical texts or discussions regarding ancient Chinese culture. Common collocations include '玉圭' (jade tablet) or '仪仗圭' (ceremonial badge).
HSK Study Tips
While 圭 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to topics related to ancient Chinese artifacts and cultural symbolism that are relevant for intermediate learners. Students should focus on recognizing its historical significance and pronunciation, as it may appear in literature or cultural discussions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 圭 with other characters related to jade, such as 玉 (yù), which means jade in general. For instance, saying '我有圭' (Wǒ yǒu guī) to mean 'I have jade' is incorrect; it should be '我有玉' (Wǒ yǒu yù).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 圭
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2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 圭? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 圭?
Decomposition of 圭
IDS Structure⿱土土
圭Full Character
=
土Tu3
top
土Tu3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 1
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 圭?
How to say jade tablet in Chinese
“jade tablet” in Chinese is圭guī
The character 圭 (guī) refers to a ceremonial jade tablet that was historically used as a badge of rank in ancient China. This item symbolizes authority and status, often associated with scholars and officials. In modern usage, it may also denote something precious or valuable, akin to how jade is viewed in Chinese culture.
When to use 圭
Be cautious with the context in which you use 圭, as it is quite formal and may not be suitable for everyday conversation. It is often found in historical texts or discussions regarding ancient Chinese culture. Common collocations include '玉圭' (jade tablet) or '仪仗圭' (ceremonial badge).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 圭 with other characters related to jade, such as 玉 (yù), which means jade in general. For instance, saying '我有圭' (Wǒ yǒu guī) to mean 'I have jade' is incorrect; it should be '我有玉' (Wǒ yǒu yù).
Write 圭
圭
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Practice writing 圭 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 圭
圭 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
麦____尔举起瓶子咕咚咕咚地喝了一大通苦柠檬汁。
McGuire took a long swig from his bottle of bitter lemon.
